Conqueror (video game)

Superior Software

Industry	Video games
Headquarters	United Kingdom
Products	Conqueror (video game)

Conqueror is a video game developed as the successor to Zarch (also known as Virus), utilizing the identical landscape engine. This title combines elements of a third-person shooter and strategy, tasking players with commanding a tank fleet. Created by Jonathan Griffiths, David Braben, and Chris Sawyer, it initially launched on the Acorn Archimedes platform through Superior Software in 1988 and was later adapted for additional home computer systems in 1990 by Rainbow Arts. The game received commendations for its effective integration of strategic planning and arcade-style gameplay.

Gameplay

Set against the backdrop of the Second World War, Conqueror presents a 3D polygonal world. Players take command of tank units from American, German, or Russian forces, with options ranging from lightweight, agile tanks to heavily armored, slower vehicles equipped with powerful weaponry.

The player directly controls one tank from a third-person viewpoint while artificial intelligence governs allied and enemy tanks. Accessing the map interface enables players to switch control between tanks and issue orders in real time. A cooperative two-player mode allows one participant to drive while the other manages the turret; solo players may either delegate AI control or handle both functions themselves.

There are three distinct gameplay modes: 'Arcade', 'Attrition', and 'Strategy'. In 'Arcade', players face continuous waves of adversary tanks aiming for survival. 'Attrition' involves combat between fixed-size fleets of equal strength. The comprehensive 'Strategy' mode begins with limited resources to acquire tanks, gradually building a fleet up to fifteen units through mission success. Additional tactical options include calling in artillery bombardments and deploying reconnaissance planes to reveal enemy positions, both at a financial cost. Tanks incur damage during engagements but can be repaired when withdrawn from battle. Victory conditions include eliminating all opposing tanks or maintaining control over critical map locations under assault for a predetermined period.

Development and release

Jonathan Griffiths designed and programmed Conqueror utilizing the Zarch engine developed by David Braben, co-creator of Elite. The game was originally crafted for the 32-bit Acorn Archimedes and published in 1988 by Superior Software.

After the favorable reception of Virus—the multi-platform release of Zarch in 1988—Conqueror was ported to platforms including the Amiga, Atari ST, and DOS. Griffiths managed the conversions for Amiga and ST versions with artwork by Torsten Zimmerman, while the DOS adaptation was completed by Chris Sawyer. These ports were distributed by Rainbow Arts in 1990.

Reception

Critics generally praised Conqueror, often drawing comparisons to its predecessor Zarch/Virus. The Archimedes edition received high marks, such as 931/1000 from ACE and an 87% rating from The Games Machine, which highlighted its enhanced strategic depth. Subsequent versions earned slightly lower evaluations: ACE awarded scores of 925 for Amiga and 920 for ST releases, whereas The Games Machine assigned an 80% rating to both ST and DOS editions. Amiga Format described it as "first-class," emphasizing its appeal to fans of tactical gameplay and granting a 93% score. Other publications like Power Play and Amiga Joker provided more moderate assessments.